Marriages of Convenience

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2015

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Questions (496)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

496. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the reason non-European Union citizens are effectively being denied the constitutional right to marry European Union citizens, as the Health Service Executive and An Garda Síochána cannot facilitate them with the necessary meetings, to ensure the marriage is genuine, because members of An Garda Síochána are not yet trained in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36456/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 was enacted by the Oireachtas on 4 December 2014. Provisions of the Act which introduced additional duties for Registrars employed by the Civil Registration Service were commenced on 18 August 2015. I understand that the HSE are engaging with IMPACT on any industrial relations issues which have arisen for the registrars as a result of the additional duties provided for by this legislation. A hearing under the auspices of the conciliation services of the Workplace Relations Commission is scheduled for 27 October 2015.